Clifty falls state park in Indiana, a beautiful park, somewhat challenging beautiful hiking trails, could be great, if a little more attention was paid to it on the campsite end. But first I’d like to address the fact that I had to pay the $9 fee to drive I to the park, although having already booked and paid for a campsite. I guess we call that the “Indiana angle”, as I’ve seen it in other Indiana parks but no where else. Having entered, it looked to be a beautiful clean place, but you get the impression all the dirt was swept under the carpet rather than actually picked up. The bathrooms were dated, a little dirty and the showers weee an embarrassment. The push button for water style gave us literally 10 seconds of water, if you’re lucky, before you had to push again. I believe in water conservation too but come on, we pain for this. Bathrooms were clean, but not spotless, maybe it’s in the weekly clean schedule instead of the daily, as we went in October. I question the validity of these reviews sometimes also, as cell signal was rated good for both ATT and Verizon, of which we had both, and both were spotty at best. But the actual park, spectacular hiking, challenging treks, and multiple choices made it worthy of 5 stars. The actual waterfalls were but a trickle in October but the sheer rock walls, steep cliffs and fall colors made for many camera friendly views.

If you’re ever near Stromsberg NE, this is THE town to stop in. Campground is in and near Buckley park. We stayed in the older campground, which had electric, shade trees, a bathroom ( not a pit toilet) with a sink and soap. But upon walking the area we found the newer, As of late last year, campground. That one even has a water hook up for every site. Both grounds have a host and are lit at night for security, but look up the town, rated A + in the US for crime rate. Walking the town it feels as if I walked back in time. Pay phones, bikes in their stands left unlocked, everyone says hi. I can’t say enough about this town. But bring cash if you want to purchase almost anything, as many of businesses do not accept CC or debit cards. It all works on the donation system, so give what you can.

I don’t think I’ll ever get over the anxiety of heading to a dispersed campsite on the basis of the Dyrt alone. That air of mystery always puts a little know in my stomach. This spot quickly alleviated that the minute we pulled up to the area, with the clearly defying directions and rules on the sign, I knew that it’d be good. You can even see the water from a long distance, so you know what you’re getting. The spots are not defined at all and there are campers strewn all around the area, left from locals who stake a good spot for the weekend. That being said, there’s still plenty of room to find a spot along the beach. The water is crystal clear, there are spots of Greta sand, along with rocky patches of beach too. The paths and trails all around lend me to thinking that on the weekends the place is teeming with off road era, but being a Tuesday night it was quiet. HUGE drawback, and really was the only one, was the mosquitoes. Literally hundred upon hundreds swarmed our van around 7pm and didn’t let up all night. For some reason they weren’t landing on me, but I don’t know if that’s my condition or theirs. Saw antelope, pelicans, and plenty of other birds too.

We were swinging south from Seattle to hook up with I80 and this spot was in our wheelhouse. Not too far off of I 84 and really not to bad to find. The road entering was stone but it still easily passable. Most of the sites overlooked a beautiful lake stick among the hills, and we’re in decent shape with a fire ring, table and little grill. We got there on a Sunday and there were still a couple smoldering campfires so the place was probably crowded on the weekend. Not a lot of property associated with the area as most is fenced off and private. Still though enough to walk the dogs around.

We weren’t sure as to our ability to get in, as when we pulled up there was a ranger driving a UTE on the other side of the fence, and we thought for sure he’d tell us that we couldn’t get it. But he was so nice, and even told my wife that he’d close the gate behind us after we entered. I’ve read that a parka pass is needed for this place, but we did not have one. The ranger did not look for or question about one, and off we went. Dirt rocky road, steep in areas, and 4x4 not necessary, but a higher clearance sure seems as if it is. We drove about 20 minutes and started to see pull offs for camping, and finally decided on on with the most amazing view of the cascade mountains. Thinking we’d see wildlife, as there was signs of it all over…. Scat, all different kinds, my dog found a lower leg and hoof of maybe a large deer, and a recently killed snake. But as of our first night nothing living and breathing. Att and Verizon were both 3 strong bars, but tv reception was nothing with our little average sized antenna. The trails were thick and lush with greenery and flowers, it being mid June and there has been plenty of rain. Not another soul in site, and only the sounds of nature around us.

We found this place rather easily with the directions given, but actually finding there places to park was a little challenging. There is a little loop on the hill opposite from the Rainy Lake boat launch that can support 3 campers. We arrived simultaneously with a couple and a fifth wheel, so we took the small one (sprinter van) and let them maneuver into the big one. Fire pits are good, a little aaays from the parking spots, and a pit toilet down the road. Super quiet spot, although very close to a newly paved road.